PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WLOS) — Dolly Parton greeted fans to kick off Dollywood’s 2026 season as the theme park opens for its 41st year in East Tennessee on Friday, March 13.
The Dolly-themed amusement park officially opened to the public for the new season on March 13 with the I Will Always Love You Festival, which will debut two new shows. This festival will run through April 12.
As she walked on stage during the presentation, she was met with a standing ovation. When she sat down to start talking, people were shouting, “We love you, Dolly. We miss you.”
“I love you, too,” she said. “And I’ve missed you, too. I’m not done yet.”
The country music legend celebrated her 80th birthday on Jan. 19 and has had some health issues that have prevented her from making public appearances. She talked about the park and also about her career.
“There are more things coming. I’m not done,” she said.
DOLLYWOOD NAMED NATION’S FAVORITE THEME PARK ONCE AGAIN
Debuting this season at the park is the $50 million all-new coaster experience, “NightFlight Expedition.” Dollywood officials describe this ride as a “thrilling whitewater rafting excursion” that “takes guests soaring on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies.”
Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has historically been a highly acclaimed and award-winning theme park that often outranks major park competitors such as Walt Disney World. In 2025, Dollywood was once again named as TripAdvisor’s top theme park in the U.S. The park also won this title in 2024 and 2022.
For more information on tickets, deals and events this season at Dollywood, click here.
